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Prepare for the Solar Eclipse

On August 21, the United States will be experiencing the first total solar eclipse since 1991 and the first to move across the entire mainland of the country since 1918.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in between the earth and the sun. While this rare occurrence may be exciting, safety is a concern. Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse could severely hurt your eyes.

Make sure to wear special solar filtered sunglasses if you plan to stare directly at the eclipse.

It is only safe to stare at the sun during the eclipse when the moon is totally covering the sun. This only happens for a brief period and will only occur in a very narrow path about 70 miles wide from Oregon to South Carolina.

You can also safely view the eclipse through a solar filtered telescope or Welder’s glass #14 and darker.

If you are going camping to view the eclipse, visit the U.S. Forest Service website for safety tips. Also, check www.weather.gov for signs of low humidity and high temperatures, which are a recipe for wildfires.

The information in Healthy Living Online is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation, or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

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